The race began on June 30, 1870. Being lighter than the Natchez, the Lee jumped

into an early lead. For three days the race continued, 51

the boats travelling at full

steam. They were 52

each other the whole time, 53

short spaces when bends in the

river hid one or the other from view.

Then only a few hours from its goal, the Natchez 54

a rock and ran aground (搁浅) .

The Lee steamed proudly into St. Louis in exactly three days, eighteen hours, and thirty

minutes after she had left New Orleans. Bell rang, and people called 55

the boat

named after the general 56

as an army engineer had prevented the river from changing

its course and St. Louis 57

becoming an inland town.

The Lee 58

a good record---one that brought honor to all rivermen. However, the

great day of the river steamers was drawing to 59

. The 60

won the passenger and

goods business from the river boats.

There are boats on the river today. But they are not the white birds that attracted

young Samuel Clemens.

41. A. an adventure B. a story C. an experience D. a creation

42. A. incidents B. events C. accidents D. affairs

43.A. between B. among C. in D. within

44. A. shopkeeper B. postmaster C. headmaster D. captain

45. A. beat B. won C. fall D. hit

46. A. Making B. To make C. Made D. So as to make